Australian renewable energy companies are exploring investment and business opportunities in Bangladesh as the country seeks to accelerate its energy transition, with a seminar in Dhaka bringing together investors, government officials and industry leaders to discuss clean energy projects, technology cooperation and financing.
The seminar, titled "Renewable Energy, Decarbonisation and Energy Transition", was organised by the Australia-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ABCCI) in collaboration with the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), the Renewable Energy Council and the Smart Energy Council at a city hotel in Dhaka today (26 October).
Around 150 participants from government agencies, private companies, financial institutions, diplomatic missions, development partners and renewable energy organisations attended the event. A visiting Australian trade delegation included small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-market enterprises (MMEs) offering renewable energy products, services and technologies.
The event aimed to strengthen bilateral cooperation and create commercial opportunities for Australian technology providers and Bangladeshi businesses through partnerships, technology applications and potential investments.
The programme opened with remarks from ABCCI President M Maksud, the deputy high commissioner of Australia to Bangladesh, Scott Hamilton of RECAP, and Jody McKay, senior trade and investment commissioner at Austrade.
Members of the Australian delegation presented their companies' capabilities and showcased renewable energy solutions that could be suited to Bangladesh's market.
The technical session covered government policies, regulatory frameworks, renewable energy targets and investment promotion strategies. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) outlined renewable energy opportunities and investment potential in Bangladesh, while Omera's business development manager discussed prospects for renewable energy, private-sector participation and market development.
Presentations also addressed investment trends, decarbonisation pathways, financing mechanisms, regulatory developments and technology deployment, with a focus on accelerating clean energy projects.
During an open-floor discussion, diplomatic representatives, government officials, chamber leaders, development partners, financiers and business representatives exchanged views on market-entry opportunities, technology suitability, local partnerships, financing constraints, project bankability and regulatory issues affecting international investment.
A business-to-business (B2B) matchmaking session followed a networking lunch, allowing Australian companies to hold pre-arranged meetings with Bangladeshi stakeholders to discuss potential partnerships, technology applications, distribution arrangements and future investment opportunities.